A PAIR of fearless care workers from Derian House Children's Hospice are preparing to take the plunge into a pool full of sharks -- all to raise money to help the youngsters.

Health care assistant Patricia Clarkson and children's nurse Lisa Lord are to carry out the daring dive at the Blue Planet Aquarium at Cheshire Oaks, Chester, to raise money for new changing rooms and blinds for the pool.

Patricia, 41, of Rishton, said: "We wanted to do something different to help raise awareness and to draw in sponsors.

"No one at the hospice has ever heard of this kind of thing before - I don't know why on earth I ever volunteered because the more I think about it the more it worries me.

"I've never snorkelled or dived before so perhaps this is a mid-life crisis or something!

"All I can say is I hope that they feed the sharks before we get into that tank or else we might end up being their supper."

The pair have already pledged £300 between them, but say they need a lot more than that to help them achieve their goal.

Lisa, 31, of Deerfold, Astley Village, said: "Any amount of money is good for the hospice, but we really need to get a good response so that we can make a difference. "The dive costs £75 each but because of the nature of the fund-raising the Blue Planet is letting us pay half-price.

"We usually take part in walks or climbs and I think they are the more sensible option but you don't get anywhere being sensible all your life.

"I can't even touch a goldfish so goodness only knows how I will cope with a fish so large and scary."

Kate Robinson, from Blue Planet Aquarium, Cheshire Oaks, said: "Patricia and Lisa will be be given full training on the day according to guidelines set by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI).

"Spectators will be able to watch them as they swim through the 71-metre long safari tunnel through the aquatheatre window."